Top 10 Magic Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]

Hey everyone, time to enjoy one of Honey’s special updated anime articles on the top 10 Magic Anime out there. If you find the current list lacking in anyway or simply want more recommendations for the best magic anime out there, be sure to check out the older list below it!

Now, magic plays a very important part in the anime world. From the inception of the magical girl in shows like Cardcaptor Sakura to its complete deconstruction in shows like Madoka Magica, magic has been grounds for the majestic and impossible. It creates world upon worlds and gives audiences countless opportunities of escape. It’s one of the main reasons people always come back to anime as it provides some of the most satisfying battle sequences as well as feeds that child in us still hoping that magical things exists. Well, they do, you just have to create them by spending hundreds of hours in front of paper and computer .

10. Slayers

Slayers primarily follows the greedy and powerful sorceress Lina Inverse, who strikes fear in just about everyone for her reckless power. One day, when she’s about to bash in some bandits, a knight swoops in, thinking she’s a damsel in distress, devastates the thieves himself, and then proclaims himself her guardian. Well, she decides to keep him around as she wants his Sword of Light, but as they romp around the universe avoiding they find themselves being followed by a pair of mysterious individuals.

Before there was Louise from Zero No Tsukaima and before there was Megumin from Konosuba, there was Lina from Slayers. She was and still is the master of explosions, chaos, and destruction. She actually destroyed entire worlds in her time. She also set the premise for ridiculous and zany protagonists whose objective was to make you laugh first and foremost. It’s tough to beat the mix between blowing things up and comedic gold that E&G Films incorporated into the show.

9. Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu (The Legend of the Legendary Heroes)

Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu throws us into a medieval world of magic and swords. However, there are certain people who have such mastery over magic due to the possession of the Alpha Stigma, or cursed eyes to most people, which allow for extreme forms of magic. One such person is Ryner Lute, who has been imprisoned for numerous years. However with his childhood friend now king, Ryner is sent out into the world, accompanied by the powerful warrior Ferris Eris, in order to discover magical relics and help the world achieve peace.

Admittedly Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu, suffers from a plot that verges on the incomprehensible by the end. You’ll have to do quite a bit of piecing together for the last few episodes, but up to that point it really is one of the most enjoyable magic shows out there. Ryner and his relationships with the various people he meets consistently provide comedic moments. Then there’s the depiction of the overwhelming power of the Alpha Stigma users, from Ryner who can copy any magic he’s seen to Tiir who can physically consume magical powers/attacks for power. It’s exciting and action packed with a fair amount of underhanded politics to balance out the lighter aspects.

8. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo!

If you haven’t watched Konosuba then just stop reading this and go watch it now. It’s one of the best shows this year has had to offer in terms of comedy. It takes a young shut in, has him die, and then gives him a chance to continue life in a fantasy world. He likes this opportunity, but truly despises the goddess who is offering him the deal. Thus, when she says he can take something with him into the new world, he says her. The higher ups approve and we have two, rather helpless, beings in a dangerous fantasy world.

Konosuba does a lot of things right. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, it provides a more realistic portrait of the adventures a normal person would have if thrown into medieval world full of monsters and magic, and it has a solid cast of inept characters. One character who joins Kazuma and the goddess Aqua is an archwizard of the Crimson Mazoku, Megumin. Between her and Aqua, magical moments of explosions and destruction can be viewed on an episodic basis. Now, Megumin’s explosion magic might be more impressive than Aqua’s water (fountain) magic, but both have their moments of awesomeness and hilarity.

7. Overlord

Yggdrasil, an extremely popular virtual reality game, is finally come to and end. Taking in every last second of the game is the player Momonga, a powerful wizard and master of the massive guild Ainz Ooal Gown. However, Momonga is surprised to find out that even when the clock has hit midnight that the game is not only still on, but that he’s stuck as Momonga and all the NPCs have taken on personalities of their own.

Momonga literally decimates practically anyone and everyone that gets in his way. He also can take a hit like no other. When humans rain down the power of heaven and light on him, he doesn’t even flinch. He laughs it off and then plows on. He is the King of Undead for a reason, and Madhouse did not hold back any punches when showing flair to his power. Even when he isn’t blasting things to smolder, he’s impossibly strong. Clementine sets an explosion off inside his skull, he’s a skeleton for those unaware, and he’s unaffected.

6. Little Witch Academia

Little Witch Academia follows Atsuko Kagari as she decides to become a witch and begins classes at the renowned Witch Academy, where her idol, Shiny Chariot, graduated from. However, she realizes two things really quickly. She doesn’t quite fit in, and Shiny Chariot is looked down upon by most magicians as a hack. Thus we follow Atsuko as she tries to fit in with her new surroundings without losing her passion for magic.

Little Witch Academia accomplished what few shows in this day and age could have done: brought back the magical girl without it seeming cliché. A major reason why this animation was so successful is because of Studio Trigger and their incredible artwork. It had that certain texture, color, and flair that you generally only expect from big companies like Studio Ghibli or Disney. This helped viewers really buy into the world and enjoy the entire ride with its displays of magical prowess.

5. Toaru Majutsu no Index (A Certain Magical Index)

Two things are at the center of Academic City: technology and psychic abilities. Considering that 75% of the city’s population are perfecting their esper abilities, it really isn’t surprising that this city is about 30 years ahead of the rest of the world when it comes to technology. It’s within this this city that a student gains the ire of a dangerous organization after meeting a girl capable of memorizing all of the forbidden grimoires.

Everyone in this city has some kind of magical ability, which provides for constant excitement. Battles are consistent and draw you in quickly thanks to awesome character designs/personalities as well as gorgeous animation by J.C.Staff. Whenever Accelerator hits the scene, the quote on quote overpowered badass of the series, you know things are about to get crazy, and they do.

4. Magi

Dungeons, deadly mazes that hold magical treasures beyond the imagination, are spread across the world. Djinns rule over these Dungeons and they will grant their power to those who finish the maze. In gaining the power and riches of a dungeon a person can easily become king. Now, Alibaba has dreams of becoming a king and has in eyes set on a dungeon. Luckily for him, he runs into a young magician by the name of Aladdin who has the power to help him beat the dungeon.

Magi is one of those shows that simply has a perfect mix of adventure, magic, conspiracy, and just about every story element imaginable. It has a massive world filled with incredible warriors, who have attained incredible magical power. It also helps that each character is actually extremely interesting and fully developed rather than just being run of the mill characters whose main trait is their power. This makes every battle twice as exiting, because we’re extremely invested in the outcome.

3. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works

The battle for the Holy Grail takes place between seven magicians who summon renowned heroes from different ages to their side. The events of Fate/stay night cover the fifth Holy Grail War and in particular the actions of the young magicians Rin Toosaka and Emiya Shirou as they try to stay alive in this bloody battle.

One of the strongest aspects of Fate/stay night is its premise: magicians summoning the incredibly powerful spirits of heroes across time. In doing so, ufotable sets itself up to coordinate absolutely mesmerizing battles as well as give shout outs to mythology and history buffs. Truly, watching the battles between people like Arturia and Gilgamesh will blow your mind. There’s just so much to take in and this happens on an episodic basis. Fate/stay night is simply one of those shows that incorporates so many different things into its narrative (and it does it well) that almost each moment of the show has something for you to get excited about or ponder.

2. Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

Puella Magi Madoka Magica follows the events that transpire after a pair of middle school girls, Madoka and Sayaka, are offered an unbelievable deal by Kyuubey, a mysterious cat-like creature. The deal? He will grant them one wish and in return they will have to act as magical girls and receive tremendous powers. It sounds like a sweet deal, but then why is the mysterious transfer student, Homura, a magical girl herself, so determined to ensure that they don’t accept the offer?

Madoka Magica is a masterpiece because of how powerfully it turns the idea of magical girls on its head. This isn’t some light and fantastic show, with minor conflicts that you know will be resolved by the end. No, this show takes a dark turn by episode three and never turns back towards the light. It delves into the costs that people make to achieve their dreams and how such costs ripple throughout those closest to them. It also has powerful action scenes as the girls take on witches, incredible and unique animation, as well as a strong story that grips you the entire time.

1. Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail presents a world full of magic. It presents a world full of magic and adventure. It presents a world full of magic and adventure and monsters and action and conflict and guilds. This show is simply a massive world that we get to explore as we follow around members of one of the most prestigious guilds in the world, Fairy Tail.

It’s almost impossible to not have at least seen an episode or two of Fairy Tail in the past several years. It’s one of those magical shounens that just blows everyone out of the water due to the scale of the world it creates as well as the lovability of most of the characters. However, the particular reason why this show tops the list is because of the massive amounts of magic it throws at you. Every single person shown has their own special power and use it to great affect. From Natsu’s fire dragon techniques to Gray’s ice magic to Lucy’s key to Celestial spirits to Ezra’s Requip Magic for armor, there really is an endless supply of powers to be viewed and admired.

First things first: honorable mention to Cardcaptor Sakura. As a classic, it’s up there with the likes of Sailor Moon. It has a suprisingly complex story, which varies considerably depending on if you watch it subbed or dubbed. It also incorporates magic gloriously through the Clow Cards and their respective magical beings. Who didn’t love Windy? The only reason it’s not included is because it’s on the last list and Slayers definitely needed some love.

Final Thoughts

Anyways, one of the factors that helped shaped this list was the frequency of magic use and its portrayal artistically. Though Slayers is awesome, it’s difficult to be in awe of her power with the animation style of 1995. Though Konosuba is hilarious and has awesome animation, it doesn’t incorporate magic battles to the same extent that shows like Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei. Now, if you have any magic anime that you think should be on the list, be sure to let us know. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Writer

Author: Yoko Dev

Hello, my anime peers. I’m from the states, but have taken an indefinite leave to travel while freelancing. Outside of a deep admiration for anime that started long ago, I love to read, write, and play video games. The main issue of traveling so far has been not having a console.

Oh, magic. We’ve all loved it since we were kids and we all wish it were true. Whether you’ve wanted to fly or have psychic abilities, we can all agree that magic anime has truly touched our hearts!

With the magic genre encompassing a wide variety of anime, it’s tough for any fan to label their top favorites. Fear not; the suggestions below are the best of every corner of the anime world. Regardless of whether you like magical girl or gritty themes, each of these selections are highly recommended to every anime fan out there.

Enjoy!

10. Cardcaptor Sakura

A fourth grader named Sakura stumbles upon the book of Clow and accidentally scatters all the magical cards inside by reading Windy out loud. Keroberos, guardian of the cards, contracts Sakura to find them and capture them. Each card is different with special powers, for example Wood grows tree branches and does what Sakura commands of it. Along the way she meets new friends, enemies, and goes on many journeys in this wonderful shoujo anime.

Don’t let the cutesy artwork fool you; there are deep themes in here. There’s the fluffy rom-com themes, but as you progress into the story, the plot thickens and suddenly this anime about fourth graders will make you tear up. Cardcaptor Sakura is a must see for all ages as it was so influential in the western world coming to learn about anime.

9. Zero no Tsukaima (The Familiar of Zero)

For a little bit of fluff and a lot of ecchi, come over and watch this funny romance comedy. Louise is the poster girl for tsundere and a fan favorite amongst many. Her relationship with Saito is positively adorable and the harem hilarity that ensues causes her unstable emotions to be, well, more unstable. Spanning four seasons, some more related to the plot than others, it begins and ends faster than you expect after you binge watched it in one sitting. Or wait, is that just me?

Louise is dubbed the “zero” because she’s pretty terrible at magic. When the ceremony to call forth a familiar comes, she ends up summoning a boy named Saito, who was transported from present day Japan. He then has to live as her servant but he also learns he has some sort of unknown strong power, coming from “the other world”. The magic is very wizard themed, with chants, spells, wands, and of course, the wonderful wizard robes.

8. Gakuen Alice (Alice Academy)

Mikan and Hotaru were the very best of friends until one day, Hotaru suddenly said she was transferring to a school in Tokyo for gifted students. Mikan, worried and missing her, went to go see her for herself and ended up enrolling there. She soon realized, it was actually a school for people with various magical abilities, called Alices, ranging from making fire to teleportation and even a cat-dog Alice. Unaware of what magic she has, she comes to learn more about herself, others and the serious history of the school.

If you’re looking for a good laugh, Gakuen Alice doesn’t disappoint. It’s filled with adorable characters with quirky abilities but with a very serious, borderline dangerous characters, you learn more about the darkness the school has. Mikan’s silly, loving friendship with Hotaru is something we definitely hope for in all our relationships.

7. Junketsu no Maria (Maria the Virgin Witch)

This is one of the shorter, newer suggestions, and it does not disappoint. Set in France during the Hundred Years War, it’s definitely got a different approach to things with the ecchi part of it being a more mature humor. The comedy is more mature, but the overall feel is very light hearted. The questions that arise are very thought provoking and something everyone can identify with.

Maria is a witch that hates war and interrupts every battle, telling everyone to stop fighting and go home by pulling various monsters out of her witch pot that she brings to every battle. She incurs the wrath of the heavens and archangel Michael strikes her down and says if she loses her virginity, she’ll lose her witch powers. If she loses them, her incubus and succubus that she turned from owls will probably turn back. She’s stubborn and continues under the watch of the angel Ezekiel, almost losing her powers but her kind heart is vast and touches everyone she meets.

6. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

In this Arabian-themed series, we see a young boy named Aladdin make friends with a slave called Alibaba, who dreams of someday entering the “dungeon” in his land. Dungeons are mysterious ruins said to have hidden treasures of great value, if you can conquer it and come out alive. Aladdin possesses a Djinn named Ugo and controls him through his flute. It is said all living beings possess Rukh, which is the endless cycle of life and magic through out the world. Aladdin and Alibaba go in together and thus we follow them on their journey as they forge their own paths, ultimately leading them to their destinies.

Magi really is a treasured gem in today’s anime, with a little bit of everything from action and adventure, humor, and a vast, expansive world to journey in. Even though the theme is Arabian and you might think the layout is preset, the fantasy side of the series really takes the creativity to the next level and keeps you intrigued. Every main, supporting, or side character is interesting and well thought out and the animation is really crisp.

5. Shakugan no Shana

Yuji Sakai is living a normal life until one day he finds out from a red haired Flame Haze, Shana, that he actually died some time ago and is now just a Torch, a flame that will soon go out. When they find out he actually has a Treasure inside of him that allows him to continue to exist, enemies known as Denizens come after him, desiring that Treasure for themselves. Denizens and Flame Hazes alike can use powerful magic called Unrestricted Spells and certain powerful Denizens will make contracts with humans, and that’s how Flame Hazes are made.

Shakugan no Shana will give you something some others lack; a great male and female lead duo and the most realistic character development you can get in an anime. Although Yuji is a bit unfazed at first when he hears he’s no longer alive, he does in his own time have to come to grips with the harsh reality. This series spans over three seasons and each season intensifies in magic strength and the stakes continue to get higher. This series has a seriously thorough storyline and, well, Shana delivers the perfect tsundere character that is actually fairly realistic.

4. Fate/Stay Night

Shirou Emiya was taught a little bit of magic by his adopted dad after his parents’ tragic ending. He can “see” into things and uses it in the beginning to help fix electronics at his school. One night he finds himself between two more powerful mages and somehow ends up summoning forth a warrior named Saber who protects him.

He finds out he is one of the forced participants in the Holy Grail war whose prize is something so powerful, all the other mages can and will kill for it. Each warrior called forth by their master is a significant person in history that is adept at fighting and using different magical attacks that are specific to their class (i.e. Archer, Assasin, etc).

Fate/Stay Night is one anime that I recommend to someone just starting out and unsure of what they like. It’s an engaging, thick storyline with some rocking characters that might end up on your top ten list (i.e. Saber). The action animation is seamless, especially for its time.

3. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

Now Madoka really took us all for a spin. What appears as a beautiful mahou shoujo anime takes a wild turn into a tragically beautiful story. The animation along is something to be reckoned with and I do not stand alone when I say that it’s absolutely captivating. The enemy they face are witches in expansive, intricate labyrinths in an animation style that is downright completely original and out of this world. The psychological twists and turns, the tragic friendships, all wrapped up in a bundle of unassuming mahou shoujo cuteness.

Madoka Kaname gets approached by Kyubey, a weird alien, cat-like creature. He asks her to sign a contract and become a magical girl in exchange for any wish she desires. Then enters in Homura, a girl trying to kill Kyubey and warning Madoka not to enter into the contract. Coincidentally, what you wish for ends up affecting what your magic type is, whether it’s because you wished for someone else’s happiness or just your own life to be spared. Battles ensue as two more girls enter in, all magical girls, and they try and figure out how adjust to the harsh realities of being a magical girl.

2. Fairy Tail

Lucy Heartfilia, a celestial mage, has dreamed of joining the Fairy Tail Guild and one day after she ran away from home, meets Natsu Dragneel, dragon slayer and a downright chaos causer who breathes and eats fire. Fairy Tail is known for causing a ruckus everywhere they go due to their eccentric, powerful members and Lucy gets her wish granted, becoming a member. The series is about their journeys, the friends they make along the way and the evil they fight.

Really, what isn’t there in Fairy Tail? Action, adventure, comedy, and what’s this? Drama isn’t listed? Well either way, prepare your heart for a roller coaster because as soon as these characters enter your heart, all the turmoil they face will cause you intense bouts of laughter, tears shed, and just the overall good feeling of what a family is supposed to be. One of the pluses of it being such a long series is the variety of character designs and magic styles you get to witness. God slayers, ice makers, and cats that talk, is there anything that Hiro Mashima hasn’t thought of?

1. Hagane no Renkinjutsushi (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Coming in at number one is hands down one of the best anime in existence and I’m backed up by a very monstrous following. The wonderful thing about this series is it gets just as humorous as it does get dark. Alchemy is used with a magical twist; with the law of equivalent exchange in tow, you can pretty much make anything with the proper training by using transmutation circles and the correct ingredients. Packed with comedy, drama, action and adventure, this series is a must and easily takes number one.

Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse’s mother fell fatally ill and the boys learned alchemy to bring her back to life. Human transmutation, of course taboo, had taken Edward’s arm and leg and Al’s body, which Edward last minute sealed to a suit of armour. During this, Edward saw the “door” and is able to transmute without a transmutation circle. Join them on their journey as Edward becoming a state alchemist and finding the philosopher's stone, a magical item that can possibly bring back their bodies, and you won’t be disappointed.

Now, even if there’s series on this lists that are a little out of your normal genres, they really are recommended for all ages and backgrounds. Obviously, the magic genre is huge and so many series deserve to be on this list, but the above suggestions are some of the top picks for their time and are, once again, truly for all ages and audiences to watch and love.

If I might add, Ghibli movies are always on the top ten of everything, especially magic related ones but I wanted to focus on a more updated approach. What series would you put up here? Should I have included any older, influential series? Let me know in the comments below!

Writer

Author: Kari

Born and raised small town Minnesotan, USA who moved to the nearest metro and thought it wasn't big enough, so she decided to pursue her dream of moving to Tokyo with her husband. Likes to binge watch anime, American cartoons, draw, paint, or do anything creative, including having picked up the violin recently! Has a lot of dreams, ideas, and half done projects but is slowly but surely continuing each one, mainly her writing career!

Still haven't gotten to FMAB but soon I will..and see what makes it #1. Personally, my favorite magic anime is Fairy Tail. I don't see that changing for me anytime soon, unless Hiro Mashima does another magic anime that far surpasses it.

HoneysAnime

FMAB is great, for as short as it is, I think it may be a little better than Fairy Tail. But considering the series is not over yet, it's too early to decide.

Nintendo Fan 4 Lif3

Great I'm gonna finally start watching it this week (I kept putting it off ). But for me I think no matter what anime I watch in the future even if they're great Fairy Tail's impact was most significant for me so it will always be my favorite one, even if some come to rival it for me. I'm open to other anime though 🙂

Fairy Tail is such a favorite but it creates different feels from FMA(B). Kind of anyway, they both make me cry haha!

Nintendo Fan 4 Lif3

Yeah Fairy Tail definitely has a different vibe and tone from FMAB, but both had left me in a waterfall of my emotions at some points, especially the latter. It's actually left me depressed so I'm abstaining from anything anime that's too serious or dark for a while. I'm up to date with Fairy Tail, current arc is a little more intense than usual, so I've been able to branch out and watch other genres. I don't think anything will replace Fairy Tail for me though, it got me into anime after all. Hope Fairy Tail continues for at least another 5 years if possible.

Sofia Elizondo

IK Fairy Tail had to be there!!! #LoveFairyTail!!!!!!!

HoneysAnime

I love it too! >_<

OpeChan

What no Negima?

HoneysAnime

But, thank you for mentioning it! ^_~

naaaaniiiiiii

no index D:

HoneysAnime

Thank y ou for also mentioning another great series! ^_^

Biondi Bagasta Wiko Putra

no to Aru series? i think to Aru much better than fairy tail 😀

HoneysAnime

Well, that can be argued, but, I do love them both equally. So, I acknowledge you opinion! ^_^

durst

I surely thought The Irregular at Magic High School would be on this list D:

I think full metal alchemist should be reviewed a little bit..... The description said they learned it to bring her back no not even close they learned it because their father was a alchemist and it made her happy and think of him and they competed for her affection..... And in an attempt to bring her back from the dead Ed lost his leg and Al lost his body ed used his own blood and sacrifice his arm to bond his brother soul to a suit of armor.....

Of course but they continued deep into alchemy to bring their mother back, studying with Teacher and everything! It's just a shortened summary, but it gets the jist 🙂

Multimillionaire

Can you write article about "Top 10 Anime Boy and Girl mark and actually they are good looking" I know what I said not related with your article, suddenly my idea show up after see Shin-ah in your article, he is really handsome but becouse his eyes is dangerous he wear a horned skull mask over half of his face.

Zahir Hassan

I watched No.1, 8 and 10 on the updated list.

Tarra.exe

I'm surprised that Negima wasn't on this list.

Yoko Dev

That is a pretty solid magic anime.

Taletha Paradela

I'm so mindblown right now. I know Lina Inverse is a DOTA Character. But what I didn't know was that SHE WAS ORIGINALLY AN ANIME CHARACTER!! AWESOOOOOOME!